Ardee St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Honour Local Hero John Caffrey as Grand Marshal
Ardee News and Sport – Ardee St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Honour Local Hero John Caffrey as Grand Marshal
Exciting details have been announced for this year’s Ardee St. Patrick’s Day Parade, including the selection of a beloved community figure as Grand Marshal.
The parade will take place on March 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM, promising a vibrant celebration filled with local pride. Many businesses in the area have stepped up as sponsors, including The Railway Bar Ardee, The Irish Harp Ardee, Brian Muldoon’s Ardee, and main sponsor Ardee Credit Union.
A time-honoured tradition returns with the Best St. Patrick’s Day Window Display competition. This annual contest sees local businesses decorating their shopfronts in festive green, with the most outstanding display receiving an award. Organizers encourage residents to keep an eye out as businesses transform their windows in the lead-up to the big day.
Honouring a Community Champion
The highly anticipated announcement of this year’s Grand Marshal has been met with great enthusiasm. This honour is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the local community, and this year, that person is John Caffrey.
Best known for running Caffrey’s Home Bakery and Coffee Shop, John has long been a pillar of the Ardee community. Beyond his famous baked goods, he has spent years quietly giving back in meaningful ways. His annual golf competition has raised thousands for Ardee Hospice, providing crucial support for local families. Additionally, he has played a key role in ensuring that Santa Claus arrives in Ardee each Christmas to meet local children and switch on the town’s Christmas lights—an event that has become the official start of the festive season.
A social media post announcing his selection as Grand Marshal summed up the community’s appreciation:
“Any town or village in Ireland would be lucky to have someone like John quietly working away in the background. We think it’s time to honour John for his efforts—not just for his lovely bread and cakes, but for all he has done over the decades for Ardee. People like John are the heartbeat of a community.”
With John Caffrey leading the way and the town coming together in celebration, Ardee’s 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set to be a special and memorable event for all.
